Skip to content
All posts

How to Install Cast Marble Panels and Pans

By   ·  3 minute read

Key Takeaways:

  • Unique Process: Installation is fundamentally different from tile or fiberglass.

  • Simple Substrate: Panels adhere directly to standard drywall. No mudding or waterproofing needed.

  • Sequence: Plumber installs pan > Panels cut and glued to wall > Silicone seal.

Installation: Simple, But Different

Installing cast marble is designed to be efficient and straightforward, avoiding the labor-intensive chaos of tile and the hollow feel of fiberglass. However, while the process is easier, it's not the same.

Because cast marble is a solid stone composite, the installation requires a specific approach that is nothing like traditional mud-setting or fiberglass drop-ins. To get the high-end finish and durability Mincey Marble is known for, there are a few critical differences your team needs to keep in mind.

Installation in a Nutshell: From Truck to Bathroom

Mincey's product design and logistics create an inherently seamless process for multifamily and hospitality projects.

1. Delivery and Handling

  • Direct Shipping: All products are delivered directly to your jobsite from our manufacturing facility in Gainesville, GA.

  • Low Breakage Rate: We use flatbed trucks and expertly made wooden crates, resulting in just a 0.16% breakage rate.

  • Forklift Safety: Crucial: For panels, you must use a forklift with minimum 72" forks. If prongs are too short, the long crates can flex, causing panels to break. For pans, you'll need a forklift with minimum 48” forks and a pallet jack.

2. Pan Installation (The Plumber)

  • First Step: The plumber installs the shower pan first.

  • Simple Hookup: It is a simple drop-in installation that connects directly to the drain.

  • Protection: Once installed, cover the pan with a protective cover to protect it while the rest of the unit is built.

3. Panel Installation (The Carpenter/Installer)

  • Oversized for Accuracy: Panels arrive slightly oversized. This allows installers to cut them to accurate, site-specific measurements using a circular saw with a masonry blade or angle grinder with diamond masonry blade. 

  • Adhesive: Apply cast marble adhesive to the back of the panel in a "dot mount" pattern.

  • Bracing: Press the panel against the drywall and brace it until the adhesive cures.

4. Finishing Touches

  • Silicone: Apply high-grade, color-matching 100% silicone where panels meet the pan and in the corners where panels meet each other.

  • Accessories: Install soap dishes, shelves, and other accessories last.

5 Best Practices for a Flawless Install

To ensure your project stays on schedule and budget, follow these expert tips.

1. Hire the Right Trade

While you don't need a specialized tile setter, precision is key. We recommend hiring a Certified Installer or a skilled finish carpenter. The measuring and cutting required for our panels are best suited for those with carpentry experience.

2. Use the Correct Equipment

  • Use a Dolly: Cast marble pans are heavy solid stone. Always use a dolly to transport pans into units to prevent injury and damage.

  • Check the Manual: Installation varies by product (e.g., panels that extend to the ceiling vs. standard height, or installing Chevron patterns).

3. Don't Skimp on Silicone

Standard white silicone can look cheap against high-end stone textures. You don't want the sealant to be the "main event."

4. Trust the Material (No Extra Waterproofing)

Adhere the panels directly to the substrate. Do not waste time or money applying additional waterproofing to the drywall. Mincey cast marble panels are permanently sealed, non-porous, and grout-free—they are the waterproofing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to waterproof the drywall before installing cast marble?

A: No. Cast marble panels are non-porous and permanently sealed. When installed correctly with silicone sealant, they act as their own waterproofing barrier. Adhering them directly to the drywall is the standard best practice.

Q: Can I install cast marble panels over existing tile?

A: If you are installing over existing tile, we recommend that our panels be applied with 100% silicone. You will need special trim to cover both the edge of the tile and the marble panels. Be sure to mention that you are going over tile when communicating with our sales team.

Q: How do I cut cast marble panels?

A: You can cut cast marble panels using a standard circular saw with a masonry blade. We recommend cutting dry (outdoors or in a ventilated area) to ensure a clean edge.

Q: Where is Mincey Marble made?

A: All our cast marble panels and pans are manufactured in the USA at our facility in Gainesville, Georgia.